Holiday Cookies, Grinch Cookies

These Holiday Cookies, inspired by the Grinch, are a delightful treat that will bring joy to any holiday gathering. With their soft texture and minty flavor, these cookies are not only festive but also incredibly easy to make. Their vibrant green color and charming heart-shaped sprinkles make them perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with family. Bake a batch of these Grinch Cookies, and watch how they become the star of your holiday dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These cookies come together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Minty Flavor: The addition of peppermint extract gives these cookies a refreshing taste that screams holiday cheer.
• Festive Appearance: The striking green color topped with red hearts makes these cookies visually appealing for any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in the baking process—rolling the dough and decorating the cookies is a great activity!
• Versatile Treat: While ideal for Christmas, these cookies can brighten up any winter gathering or celebration.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Hand-held or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps combine ingredients effectively without spills.
• Hand-held or stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing thick cookie dough.
• Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet promotes even baking and prevents sticking.

Ingredients

These Grinch-inspired cookies are soft, minty, and topped with a festive red heart, perfect for holiday gatherings!

For the Cookies

• 15.25 ounces white cake mix (432 g box)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract or mint extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring

For Coating

• ¼ cup powdered sugar (32 g)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

For Garnish

• Red heart-shaped sprinkle or cinnamon

How to Make Holiday Cookies, Grinch Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, use your hand-held or stand mixer to combine:
1. The white cake mix,
2. Softened unsalted butter,
3. Room temperature eggs.
Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Add Flavorings and Color

Next, add:
1. The peppermint (or mint) extract,
2. The vanilla extract,
3. Green gel food coloring (add enough until you achieve your desired shade).

Mix on low speed until everything is combined; expect a thick and sticky batter.

Step 4: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. The powdered sugar,
2. Cornstarch until they are well blended.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop:
1. Scoop some dough,
2. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar mixture to coat evenly.
3. Place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until:
– The edges are set,
– The tops appear dry.

Step 7: Add Sprinkles

As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven:
1. Immediately place a heart-shaped sprinkle on top of each cookie,
2. Press gently so it sticks.

Step 8: Cool Down

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now you have delightful Holiday Cookies that will surely impress everyone! Enjoy your festive treat!

How to Serve Holiday Cookies, Grinch Cookies

Serving Grinch cookies is a delightful way to spread festive cheer during the holiday season. These minty treats can be displayed in various creative ways that will impress your guests.

Festive Cookie Platters

• Arrange the Grinch cookies on a colorful platter. Add some peppermint candies and sprigs of mint for an extra festive touch.

Gift Boxes

• Pack these cookies in decorative gift boxes. Tie them with a red ribbon to make a charming holiday gift for friends and family.

Holiday Cookie Exchange

• Bring Grinch cookies to a cookie exchange party. They are sure to stand out among traditional holiday treats with their vibrant color and fun shape.

Dessert Table Centerpiece

• Include these cookies as part of a larger dessert table at holiday gatherings. Their unique design will capture attention and enhance the festive decor.

Pairing with Hot Cocoa

• Serve with hot cocoa for a cozy pairing. The mint flavor complements the chocolate perfectly, creating a warm treat for winter nights.

How to Perfect Holiday Cookies, Grinch Cookies

Perfecting your holiday cookies takes some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Choose the Right Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened properly; it should be creamy but not melted for the best texture.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure the correct ratios, particularly for flour and sugar, which affect texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies that lose their soft texture.

• Chill Dough if Necessary: If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape during baking.

• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking, ensuring perfect cookie bottoms.

• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when edges are set but centers are still soft for that chewy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Holiday Cookies, Grinch Cookies

While Grinch cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your holiday spread even more. Here’s a list of complementary options that will add variety to your festive gathering.

1. Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a bar with different toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and flavored syrups for guests to customize their drinks alongside the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and gouda paired with crackers and fruit preserves for balanced flavors next to sweet treats.

3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds and citrus slices can cleanse the palate after indulging in sweet cookies.

4. Spiced Nuts: Offer spiced nuts as a crunchy contrast to soft cookies. The savory flavors will balance out the sweetness of the Grinch cookies nicely.

5. Mini Cupcakes: Serve mini cupcakes decorated in festive colors that match the theme of Grinch cookies; this adds variety without overwhelming guests.

6. Holiday Punch: Provide a non-alcoholic punch infused with cranberry juice and ginger ale for a refreshing drink option that pairs well with sweets.

7. Savory Vegetable Platter: Include seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers served with dip; this adds freshness to your holiday spread while balancing flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making holiday cookies, especially Grinch cookies, can be a delightful experience. However, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the room temperature eggs: Using cold eggs can lead to a lumpy batter. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for a smooth mix.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft, chewy Grinch cookies.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
• Forgetting to cool properly: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them helps maintain their structure and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Holiday Cookies, Grinch Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Holiday Cookies, Grinch Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat covered with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Grinch cookies special?

These Grinch cookies are unique due to their minty flavor and festive green color. They bring joy and fun to any holiday gathering!

Can I customize my Holiday Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts, or even swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla for a different flavor profile.

How should I decorate my Grinch Cookies?

You can use various toppings like colored icing, additional sprinkles, or even edible glitter to add more holiday cheer!

How long do these Grinch Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, these holiday cookies remain fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Grinch-inspired holiday cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously minty! They’re perfect for any festive occasion and allow for plenty of customization options. Whether you decide to stick with the classic recipe or add your twist, these easy-to-make Christmas cookies will surely delight everyone at your gatherings!